Some youths in Eruwa, a town in Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State have called on the state governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, to intervene in the crisis brewing over the selection of a new traditional ruler for the town.
The youths, under the aegis of Eruwa Concerned Youth, frowned at the choice of a new Eleruwa of Eruwa made by the kingmakers whose name had been sent to the state government.
Although the state government has yet to officially reveal the name of the new traditional ruler, the youths alleged that the name submitted was that of the deposed Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola.
In a letter addressed to the governor and signed by their spokesperson, Omotunde Ayinde, which was made available to journalists on Tuesday, the youths stated that eighteen princes submitted applications to the government and kingmakers, but none were invited for screening or interview.
Instead, Prince Adegbola was fraudulently selected, saying this contravenes the established customs and traditions surrounding Eleruwa selection.
The letter reads in parts: “The kingmakers reneged on their promise to hold a meeting on Friday, January 17, 2025, and conduct interviews the following day but the reverse is the case as they decided to hold the meeting on Thursday, January 16 and proceeded to unanimously voted for a candidate and submitted the name to the Local Government the same day jettison the normal process of interviewing all the candidates.
“Since it is Laribikusi’s turn to present an Eleruwa, we know Prince Adegbola is not eligible to run again. As a result, his time has passed, and we implore the government to allow the right to choose Eleruwa to remain with the Laribikusi Royal Family to avoid bad precedence.
“We implore your Excellency to utilise your good office to investigate the process which led to the choice of Prince Adegbola. We seek your decisive action in demonstrating your commitment to upholding justice, transparency, and fairness in the selection process.
“Specifically, we request that the government reconsiders its decision to return the selection process to the Akalakoyi Royal Family, as there was no serious crisis that warranted this action.
“Notably, the timeframe given to the Laribikusi Royal Family to present their Family Head had not expired when the decision was reversed. Within the period, Laribikusi Ruling House appointed a Family Head and communicated it to the local government via a letter.
“In the interest of fairness and justice, we request that the government allow the Laribikusi Royal Family to continue the process of selecting a new Eleruwa. We are confident that you will take the necessary steps to ensure that the Laribikusi Family produces the new Eleruwa and that the selection process will be fair, transparent, and free of manipulation.”
